2nd access road for Juniper Ridge could happen by 2026, say city staff

A development permit has been issued for a 40-unit townhouse project in Juniper Ridge.

Earlier this week, Kamloops City Council agreed to issue the DP, which will allow for the project to go up at 2400 Coldwater Drive.

The 2.3 hectares site is currently zoned RM2 – (Multi-family 2-low density), which allows for this type of development.

The townhouses would be built in the form of 20 duplexes with 92 parking spaces.

Kamloops council also supported the single variance included in the application, which seeks to reduce the minimum rear yard setback from 7.5 metres to 3.2 meres.

Staff told council that they have no concerns with the variance request because it allows the developer to maximize the number of dwelling units on the site.

Coun. Katie Neustaeter asked staff to provide clarification around resident concerns regarding the single road in and out of the neighbourhood.

In July 2021, a large wildfire threatened the community, raising concerns about the need for a second emergency egress in and out of the neighbourhood.

“Wondering if we can just get an update on the status of the development of a second road,” Neustaeter said.

“I just think it's important that we visit it as we look at significant development in that area.”

Staff said they have been working with the applicant, the city’s capital project team and staff with BC’s Ministry of Forests to secure the necessary approvals in place, which have been granted.

“We are moving forward into detailed design on the road for 2024/2024 with a late construction start in 2025 and completion in 2026,” staff said.

Additionally, coun. Neustaeter pointed to concerns raised about water access, including fire hydrants, to service the more rural area to the east of the city.

“Are there any concerns with this application and the added stress for that infrastructure,” she asked.

Staff said there were no technical concerts raised when the application went through the engineering department.

Coun. Stephen Karpuk asked fire chief Ken Uzeloc if he had any concerns regarding FireSmarting or wildfire risk for the proposed development.

Uzeloc said the city’s new FireSmart coordinator, which was announced in January, will help ensure FireSmart principles are followed in this neighbourhood and all across Kamloops.